Go Dharmic volunteer teams make it to the worst effected by the Glacier burst in Uttarakhand, India Banner

Go Dharmic volunteers reach the worst affected by the Glacier Burst in Uttarakhand

February 16, 2021

Go Dharmic announced on Feb 13th a goal to help feed the vulnerable across the affected areas of Chamoli in Uttarakhand in light of the recent glacier burst caused when a portion of the Nanda Devi glacier snapped off 7th morning, sending a devastating avalanche of water and debris down a mountain, sweeping away everything in its path. Many families lost their homes, the impact of the burst was felt all over the city, buildings collapsed, windows were blown in, and hundreds of people lost their loved ones. At least 54 people are dead and 150 are missing so far.

Go Dharmic volunteers who live in the neighbouring areas, started relief work straight away by providing ration kits of daily food staples such as wheat flour, lentils, rice, salt, spices and vegetables. In the short time since the team of volunteers has delivered over a thousand meals and is planning to deliver more by the end of the month. We hope to increase the frequency and to be able to reach more people!

Our superhero, Sagar Pandey from Nainital remarked,

“The area where the avalanche and flooding occurred is extremely remote and mountainous and it can take days to reach some of the villages dotted throughout the valleys. We are at ground zero where people are stranded and stuck due to glacier disaster and are constantly assessing the situation and trying to fulfil need-based requirements in coordination with state disaster authority.”

https://www.youtube.com/embed/b3wHFy2V4u0

Santosh Kunwar from Auli village, Chamoli, added “The outburst of the glacier shot up the water levels of Alaknanda which in turn washed away 2 major hydroelectric stations, broke through dams and swept several small bridges connecting the villages. Joshimath-Malari bridge which was extensively used by Indian Army to go to the border areas has also been washed away because of heavy flooding in Dhauli Ganga river. Homes along the way were swept away as the waters rushed down the mountainsides in a raging torrent. Many villages were evacuated and people took to safer areas last week. The destruction of several motorable and smaller pools led to the cutting off of contact through the road, so families are running low on food supplies, and many people are experiencing hunger. Our team is helping rescue operations in airdropping and providing Ration to villages beyond the Raini bridge that was swept away in floods. The packs include enough food to last a family for at least a month, the contents comprise highly nutritious ingredients which will provide substantial meals to vulnerable families, and will keep them full for long periods of time.”

Go Dharmic has come out in the support of the families who have been badly affected in the wake of the avalanche. Our primary focus will be on the bereaved families who have lost their sole bread earners to bear this sorrow and to provide immediate food supplies, clothes and other essentials to them for the next few months till things return to normal.

Kindness comes easy to some, and our volunteers including Jinu, Major and Neeraj from Gunialekh village, Nainital are being lauded for their humanitarian work despite the harsh conditions prevalent there. These good Samaritans have been working tirelessly day and night along with Rescue teams to find survivors trapped under the debris. Most of those missing are workers from two hydroelectric projects at Reni village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, which were hit by the avalanche.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/b3wHFy2V4u0

Hemal Randerwala, Founder & Chairman, Go Dharmic, said

“These are unprecedented times for the people of Uttarakhand and we have a larger humanitarian responsibility to address the needs of those most affected by the disaster. The impact Go Dharmic is having on the lives of the most vulnerable in Chamoli and affected areas are immense. We are constantly monitoring the unfortunate situation in Uttarakhand. Our team is working with local shops, businesses and organisations to procure all of the items for the ration kits, and shortlisting the most vulnerable and devastated areas in Chamoli. We realize that our work is more than just giving out food relief but building a sense of solidarity and community in the time where it matters the most. Dharma is love for all beings and it is our duty to the people of Chamoli right now. Much more can still be done. If you have time, resources or the will to help others in our community, get involved to help people in Uttarakhand.”

At Go Dharmic, it’s About Loving All, Feeding All, and Serving All. Our contribution is to spread the essence of Dharma throughout the world and to change the world into something we are proud of. Being a Dharma Patron isn’t just about making a monthly donation, it’s about being part of a community of like-minded individuals who all want to make changes to their lifestyle and the world to make it a better place. The Dharma Patrons have funded the development of over 74 libraries, 3.2 million meals, and many cataract eye operations. You can make a difference and become the newest member of the family of Dharma Patrons by donating any amount.

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